WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Downtown Inc (WDI) hosted a tour called ‘The Jane Jacobs Walk’ through parts of Downtown Wilmington this weekend. The walk celebrated the life and legacy of Jane Jacobs, one of the world’s most recognized thought leaders on city planning and city building.

Jacobs was an urbanist who encouraged a community-based approach to city building. Many walkers participating in the tour also agree that it is important to build structures that welcome community interaction.

“How structures and communities were built really impacted the lives of the people who lived in that community,” said walker Suzanne Gooding. “We have mixes of uses where people can walk to stores and see their neighbors, and really get to know their neighbors because of the way the city is built.”

WDI’s CEO John Hinnant and retired New Hanover County Librarian and historian Beverly Tetterton talked about each specific location and the urban renewal that has taken place there. The first few stops included the parking deck on Water Street near the Hilton Hotel and Downtown’s River Walk.

Walkers say structures like these help connect residents to other residents, and allow Wilmingtonians to explore the city in which they live.